In a compelling address at the United Nations Friends of Vision Side-Event, Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister, Honourable Gaston Browne, underscored the urgent need for global action to address vision loss. Reflecting on the landmark 2021 resolution, ‘Vision for Everyone,’ co-sponsored by Bangladesh, Ireland, and Antigua and Barbuda, Browne highlighted the stark reality five years later: progress has been insufficient, leaving millions of children, workers, and elderly individuals grappling with preventable or treatable vision impairments. This crisis, he emphasized, is not only a human tragedy but also an economic one, with untapped potential costing the global economy billions annually. A recent study by the IAPB, Seva Foundation, and Fred Hollows Foundation revealed that investing in vision care could yield $447 billion in economic returns, create 22 million jobs, and provide 13 million additional school years for children. Browne announced Antigua and Barbuda’s commitment to hosting the first-ever Global Summit on Eye Health in 2026, aiming to foster innovation, partnerships, and actionable strategies to restore sight and dignity worldwide. He called for decisive action, urging leaders to seize the opportunity to transform lives and economies.
VIDEO: PM Gaston Browne Announces Antigua and Barbuda to Host Global Eye Health Summit
